Erzsi Pongó

Good Friends

2008-03-22T20:13:00.003-04:00

I once told the fellow sitting on the right, "I am the original Yoda." It was a moment of inexplicable silliness - one that garnered much ridicule, and rightfully so. We were sitting outside on one of the first warm days of Spring, discussing the vital issues of the day. Simultaneously the subject turned to both the horse farm that I lived on and the characters in the original Star Wars trilogy.

I often compare Eddy Farm, a riding school in Vermont to the Degoba System. Both were very much brimming with life, each environment surfeited by insects and leafy things. Much like the Degoba System, Eddy Farm was none too refined during the time that I spent there. It was lush, and there were bugs chirping every minute of every hour. Doris Eddy, the owner of the farm had big bulbous bumps on her head, she was balding a little bit, and all of the joints in her body were gnarled from years of heavy labor; riding horses, hauling bales of hay, and putting water into over trough.

In retrospect, I was much more like Luke Skywalker than Yoda. Doris Eddy was the Yoda of the farm. She taught me about respect for living things. She pointed out that you can't just mope around, consumed by your own feelings. She taught me that when one is self-absorbed - one runs the risk of forgetting how we make others feel. She taught me that lesson by shouting at me, "You can just drop dead!" after I insulted her once. And then she slammed a door in my face.

As my friend Jon here pointed out, "It took a lot of brass, a lot of moxy to make that claim. But hey, "You're Erzsi, you can make that claim and get away with it." I think that's because my father was a world class fencer? I don't know. And I certainly don't know why I said that, looking back. During that point in my life I was much more of a student than a teacher. But something in me, blurted it out. To blurt is human, to laugh about it is more fun than taking ourselves too seriously.

Now, I teach people how to exercise and eat right, how to use the force. But of course, we're talking kinetic force - my clients and me. Still, I can't help but think that when a conversation has a little bit of that learning process deeply imbued into it, that conversation is a lot more fun. Use the force, Luke. Use the force.

Exterior Signage at Pongo Power

2008-03-13T00:31:00.003-04:00

Is it wrong to love my exterior signs as much as I do? When it comes to exterior signs - no, I don't mean my smile, or the twinkle in my eye when I'm blatantly honest with someone I care about. I mean the signs on my storefront in Park Slope, Brooklyn!

You simply must check it out - wheneva you have the chance. Pongo Power, located at 402 5th Street, near the corner of 6th Avenue is certainly coming along. We now have exterior signage.

I've worked for the man (which was actually fairly ideal) I've worked for a few clients, and I've worked for myself; and I am very, very happy to report: my fav is working towards building a community.

Being at the fitness studio, and hiring my new employees has been more imaginative and more of a live dream-come-true than I could ever have foretold. (Imagine me knocking my head right now and stating, "Knock on wood.") I so enjoy establishing a place for people to meet, and greet, and talk about the vital issues of the day. And luckily my first boss (the man - Ted Bahr) taught most of that to me. I guess this blog is an exterior sign of my gratefulness.

Thanks, Ted!

Hello from Center Slope

2007-11-19T01:10:00.000-05:00

I've been super busy these days - but not too busy to post a blog! Hello web-log world. Been a long time. What makes a person go into blog hibernation?

Well, opening the doors for a storefront in Park Slope will do the trick. I've been working away, building a personal training studio on 5th Street at the corner of 6th Avenue. My fitness studio is right across from the Park Slope Ale House. So, if you don't feel like working out - we can go have a beer. That is of course, if you are over 21.

Blog hibernation has been fine. I've been practicing guitar. Blogs. Everybody's writing them, but who is reading them? You are! Stand-up comedy and film making have taken a complete back seat to the passion I feel when teaching people how to do lunges, bicep curls and heel taps. Training your lower abdominal core is my calling, right now.

Ursula Points - A Rock Band

2006-09-22T02:31:00.000-04:00

Ursula Points

I took this photo of Ursula Points, yesterday. Their album, "Light Up A Galaxy," will be out 10/03/06. Ursula Points is made up of Kevin McGinnis - vocals, guitar, bass, drums, synths, percussion; and Lindsay Marcus - vocals, wurlitzer, guitar, piano, percussion, engineer.

They rock. You can find them on MySpace. Here

This is how I see the world. No matter how many shadows, and how much light - we have an incredible galaxy. You can't deny that. Who of you, out there can really say, "Oh, the galaxy. I don't think the galaxy is that great. It's not funny." The galaxy is a wonderful thing. It is the container of all that is funny and good. Let's hear it for the galaxy! If the galaxy didn't exist, you wouldn't be here.

gal·ax·y

1. Any of numerous large-scale aggregates of stars, gas, and dust that constitute the universe, containing an average of 100 billion (1011) solar masses and ranging in diameter from 1,500 to 300,000 light-years. Also called nebula.

2. An assembly of brilliant, glamorous, or distinguished persons or things: a galaxy of theatrical performers. A splendid assemblage, especially of famous people.

Deadlines!

2006-09-04T14:00:00.000-04:00

This is my question: how did the term, "DEADLINE" become such a big part of the common venacular? If you really think about it, this American society that we have on our hands here, folks, is deadline driven.

Now, if your first priority is you deadline - does that mean that you will drop dead if you don't acheive this deadline? Nope. Do you think that when little chickies and birdies are hatching out of their shells and eggs they are thinking to themselves, "I have to MAKE THIS DEADLINE!! If I don't hatch...there's going to be hell to pay." Is the deadline more imporant than the hatching out of the egg? Nope. Natural, organic hatching. That is important.

Now, don't get me wrong. I understand that respecting one anothers' time frames is important - and valuable. I fully believe in team work, and not making other people late as a result of your own slothful laziness.

That is why I choose to do most of my best work in a dark closet, alone.

2006-06-24T14:38:00.000-04:00

Erzsi at the Laugh Lounge

Watch the video

Here I am, doing a little show at the Laugh Lounge, about being taken to jail, by my friends, the cops in the New York City Subway system. I know the homeless are often hungry - but this particular cop was was wearing a Boar's Head deli butcher's jacket. Isn't that a little bit odd? For a cop to dress up as a butcher of pigs?

Modeling on the Runway

2006-06-05T21:02:00.000-04:00

I must say that modeling has taught me a lot about staying on my toes. Those navy blue shoes I am wearing are the literal example of toe-oriented skills. Walking down a runway in heels is not easy! Luckily these navy blue puppies are snuggled on.

Film Maker: Ramona Floyd and Erzsi Pongo in Central Park

2006-05-05T17:03:00.001-04:00

Shooting the Banana Tree in Central Park! Here we are. You would never know how much noise the city makes, until you try to shoot a movie there! Here we are, as helicopters, busses, trucks, and anything else on this good earth you can think of rattle and vrooom around us!

A Short Film: Banana Tree

2006-05-05T17:03:00.000-04:00

Mickey and Erzsi Star in Banana Tree! Yes, folks - is finally happening. I am in a short film, that will be shown on May 7th at the Pioneer Theater at the First Sundays Comedy Film Festival at 7 PM. Here I am, pictured with my co-star: Mickey. We worked hard and long on this film. As you can see, we are concentrating, especially Mickey.

2006-04-07T17:07:00.000-04:00

The Erzsi and Jonny Show Stars in Short Film

I Am Making A Film

2006-04-07T16:56:00.000-04:00

In other news,

I am going to start making a movie. I’ve been laughing out loud, watching many short movies, at First Sundays and one day it finally occurred to me that as an aspiring film maker, I could make a film too. My film is going to be a short and funny film about stand-up comedy in New York City. My comedy partner, Jonny Goldstein will be in the film, as well as Rob Shapiro, who will be playing the role of my psychologist.

I have been thinking about this for about four weeks now, but this week, on Sunday night there was a major development. I was sitting on the F train, going home - when fellow comic Remick Benice, sat down next to me! Much to my surprise, our subsequent conversation inspired a whole other element of the short film that I had been planning: having a protagonist, other than just myself as the main character. Remi agreed to play the role! And so, after a lot of existentialism and deep thought, I decided a romantic comedy will be more funny, then just a regular comedy.

The next evening, on Monday I approached Ann and Nick of A Brief View of the Hudson who both said they will contribute music. This short movie is going to rock and roll.
“…Ann Enzminger and Nicholas Nace incorporate many of the best characteristics of both country music and classic rock without sounding derivative...Enzminger is a tiny woman, a hair taller than five feet, but with an opera-trained voice as big and sweet as a bowling ball–size Hershey Kiss. Nace's twangy talk-singing adds a quirky and ear-catching roughness; we crave the combination time and again." - The NY Press

I’ve been a filmmaker since I was 23, when I bought my first video camera. At that point I made a lot of films about my life in Vermont, and also my friends. I also started writing everything down for my films. So, am I really just a, “Video-maker?” No, because all of my other films live in a box under my bed, on paper. They exist in the form of sequence outlines, dialogue, and scene descriptions.

There are eight screenplays and films I plan to make. “The Indoor Ring,” “Start Up: The Movie,” and “Corporate America,” are three of the eight. So, should I call myself a, “Video-maker-and-writer?” Is video… film? I think so, because according to what I’ve seen through the media utilized at First Sundays, video counts as film. It isn’t called a, “First Sundays Comedy Video Festival.” Thanks to First Sundays and the wonder and magic of the Internet for clearing up the confusion and inspiring me to move on with my film making!

The Return of the Erzsi and Jonny Show!

2006-03-26T18:26:00.000-05:00

The Erzsi and Jonny Show Returns!

Jonny Goldstein and Erzsi Pongo (yes, me), we hosted our first live, televised episode of The Erzsi and Jonny Show this week!

Our first guest, pictured here is Eric Merola of Merola Productions. You can visit his awesome web site at http://www.merolaproductions.com. Obviously Eric is an outstanding artist and we are very lucky to be joined by him in our expression of selves.

The Erzsi and Jonny Show will be broadcast every other Monday night on channel 57 at 10PM. Check it out!

2006-03-13T15:40:00.000-05:00

Is it wrong to say, "I'm going to video blog about this!" to your arresting officer?

Jail is Fun!

2006-03-13T14:59:00.000-05:00

Well, spring is about to spring forth, folks! Luckily I am ready. Are you? Now that the warm weather is upon us, tax season is in full bloom, and our frozen souls can finally melt, we can all heave a collective sigh of relief! What? Why?? How! I will tell you. Exercise your freedom of choice, and free will! Sounds like a simple cliché, yes? Yes. But still, we do have free will. It isn’t just a figment of our collective consciousness.

As one who was once handcuffed and arrested for putting my feet up in the subway, I speak from first-hand experience. Being set free after any spell of imprisonment is a tremendous boon. And what better way to celebrate, than to breath easy and say quietly in the back of one’s mind, “I’m not in jail anymore. I can be free. Even though the United States has about as much credibility as a teenager who beat the crap out of the squirrels in the back yard with a big stick, and then tried to feed the squirrel meat to his baby sister, and I am an American; at least I can still exercise freedom of speech and make my own little way in this world.”

What am I babbling about freedom of speech for? Well, for one thing in my devotion to freedom of speech when I was arrested, I did warn the police office that I have power too. I did say, “I am going to video blog about this.” Of course, the next event was the handcuffs being slapped on my wrists. So, why would I choose to laugh about such a thing? How dare I choose this as an illustration of hope? Why do I have so much faith in freedom of speech?

Bottom line, just like winter turns to spring: by some freak of nature, human beings often do end up laughing about some of the most challenging, difficult, and ridiculous times in our lives. Now, if that isn’t justice, I don’t know what is. It’s like finding a stupid rock, and then breaking it apart and finding a geode inside. The United States is going through a terribly trying time right now, with the war and the embarrassing things that our leaders say and do, but guess what? Our generation is the next to be in a position of power! And in as much as spring follows winter, there has to be another period of enlightenment after the dark ages. Either that, or the ports will be taken over by terrorists. Fine, fine, fine. Let’s not be overly optimistic. Let’s keep our feet on the ground and enjoy the natural progression of things. Or we can complain about it. See? Freedom.

I could choose to be depressed about being in jail last year, and I could let it get me down about the United States, and being an American. Or, I could make it one of the corner stones of my comedy routine and a definitive element of my character and my persona. Who is this Hungarian, American red head with such reckless, loud laughter and well defined biceps? Oh, it’s Erzsi Pongo. Air like, fresh air folks. I can laugh about being in jail, or I can cry. Or, I can do both, at the same time, while snorting milk and spaghetti through my nose. Attractive, I know. It’s a choice. We’ve all got ‘em. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness aren’t some cliché principals from a movie. It’s reality. Not bad for reality.

2006-03-09T19:56:00.000-05:00

Me at Bowery Poetry Club - Doing Stand Up

Sunday Rainy Afternoon

2006-01-29T13:51:00.000-05:00

My favorite client, as pictured below is only 4 feet, 11 inches tall. "Do you know what it is like to be this tall?" She has often challenged me, "People pat me on the head sometimes, does anyone ever do that to you?" People do not pat me on the head.

2006-01-23T18:30:00.000-05:00

My Favorite Client

Core Integration

2006-01-15T19:25:00.000-05:00

The core is the center of your body. It's of the muscles that lace around your spinal column from your head to your tailbone.

Not to be confused with the core of an apple. Because apples have no muscles.

Why do I want to talk about the core? Because it's important, its where all your movement is initiated from. The head, the spine, the nervous system, the core of your being.

No, I'm not just trying to bring back the robot (imagine me, making my spine very stiff, and moving my arms and legs around in 90 degree angles).

Genius. Pure, Solid, Comedy Gold.

Eight Days into January, and All is Well...

2006-01-06T23:45:00.000-05:00

Well, New Year's Eve is over, although I'm still publishing photos in all their glory...see below.

I'm taking a break from a new, fun project I am working on. I am developing "characters," that I can play in comedy sketches. Then I will write the sketches, or work with someone on that.

I am very excited, because Hungarian women are known to have a lot of personality and be a bit crazy. i.e. Zsazsa Gabor...Hungarian. I am 50% Hungarian. So I've got a lot of pure, wild, crazy Hungarian blood in me. The Pongo family dates back to 1673. We were granted nobility back then...blah, blah. Yes, it's great backstory.

So my first character will be named Bozsi.. that's Betsy in Hungarian. She's a personal trainer. Go figure. She's a bit of a domineering type, not that supportive though. Always frank about her true thoughts, challenging the people she works with, never agreeing right off the bat. She demands the best of her peeps, and has trouble understanding why they can't do exactly what she commands them to do, immediately.

GIVE ME TEN PUSHUPS! NOW!

Be Serious!

2006-01-06T23:36:00.000-05:00

A Lot! If you dare. This is the inner circle trying to be serious while waiting for our cab. We really accomplished our goal.

2006-01-06T23:35:00.000-05:00

I love my friends!

The Phones are Goin' Crazy!

2006-01-02T01:23:00.000-05:00

Half way through our dinner my friend Dave, sitting diagonally accross the table from me text messaged everyone at our table - HAPPY NEW YEAR. What is this world coming to? Technology these days is becoming a big joke. Couldn't he just SAY that to us, or raise a glass and propose a toast?? NOoooooo.

We have such different ways of expressing our emotions these days. Thanks to texting, blogging, and all the rest - we are now officially choose to relate feelings to one another in every alternative possible. Being direct takes on a whole new meaning...

Some might say it's crazy to play around with a piece of technology rather than simply look up and speak to one another, but hey - whipping out our digital cameras and cell phones every three minutes at the dinner table is a heck of a lot healthier than lighting cigarettes and smoking throughout the meal.

2006-01-02T01:20:00.000-05:00

The sous-chef's hubby and me...Adam and I have known each other since 6th grade. I only knew him through a friend who had a crush on him at that time. Adam was a celebrity in middle school. Oh heck, he's still a celebrity. We celebrate Adam's wild craziness every chance we get.

Adam invited us up to his horse farm in Upstate NY this New Years. He gets a huge kick out of his Mac computer, his fish tank, and his new wife, Leigh. I can't believe we're still friends after all these years. Adam is always the last person to go to sleep, and will always talk about whatever you want to talk about, with reckless abandon.

2006-01-02T01:19:00.000-05:00

The French Corner's sous-chef, with hubby, and friends! Leigh is awesome...she cooked an 8 course meal with a team of like-minded passionate chefs here in upstate New York this New Year's 2006. She worked for hours in front of a hot stove, and then came out and looked like she had more energy than anyone at our table. Completely energized by cooking - Leigh's culinary creations were delightful. Thank you Leigh!

HAPPY 2006!!

2005-12-31T18:47:00.000-05:00

This is my last blog of 2005! Joy, joy, joy! Thank you to everyone who listened to me, and laughed with me, and discussed with me in earnest the wild events of 2005.

We here in Upstate New York are pre-occupied with cabbage - at the moment. That is we are waiting for our cab to go to the French Corner for dinner and drinks. An 8 course meal awaits, hard to imagine. Real cabbage makes you make smelly poos.

5 hours left, and then on to the new.

Only 21 Hours and 15 Minutes Left of 2005

2005-12-31T02:16:00.000-05:00

I am in Upstate New York, at my friend's farmhouse. We have just admired his coal pile in the basement, watched the fish tank with great intent, and discussed the greater social underpinnings of the underwater world. Adam asserts he created those social underpinnings with godlike power.

I am going to post at least twice today, in honor of this wild year. Root canal, death, handcuffs, jail cells, all have negative aspects, that when viewed in context of the greater picture, each is meaningful and liberating as well. Here's to my year of Transformative Tradgedy!

My friend, Dave said, "Tradgedy has a lot to do with the predeternmined character of the person before it happened." Hmmm. So if something bad happens to a bad guy, then that' s not a tradgedy. And if something bad happens to a good person, then that's a tradgedy. What if a good person slips on a bannana peel?

Happy Holidays!

2005-12-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

Well, it's the end of 2005! A lot has happened this year, and now we get to woop it up for a week before a new year comes along.

Happy Holidays, and a Fantastic New Year to everyone! Or, maybe a peaceful one...whatever you need, you enjoy it!

Cheers!

A View from the Q

2005-12-13T18:55:00.000-05:00

Riding home the other night I looked up and saw this view from the Q. It was one of those breath-taking moments when everything falls into place and you remember why you love New York City. I also love the Hudson River and the Brooklyn Bridge, quite frankly. Ahhh, a little water under the bridge.

1950's expressions like, "It's all water under the bridge," and "Let's get this show on the road," or even, "Shake a leg!" crack me up because I end up saying them at the oddest moments. One of my clients was doing a leg extension the other day. I wanted to say, "Extend your leg fully." Instead I told her to shake it, I don't know what gets into me sometimes! Then you have the more hard-core sayings, "Why buy the cow, when you can get the milk for free." These were the sentences that shaped and molded my personality growing up.

Was my father actually comparing a woman to a cow? Well, we do both produce milk at various points of our lives. Is there really anything wrong with objectifying women by comparing them to farm animals? It's just funny to think of people as animals...cocks, chicks, mother hens. Hmmm, the chicken was a popular animal to compare people with come to think of it.

But I digress. A New York City moment, as opposed to farm animals...how are these related in my mind? Nature abhors a vaccuum, so they say. This wild world we live in holds so many things, waiting in the wings. We get to discover new meaning and moments of significance here and there like salt and pepper sprinkled throughout the day. Yin and yang, a moment of this, then of that. This and that. "Engine, Engine Number 9, on the New York Transit line. And if my train falls of off the track, pick it up! Pick it up! Pick it up! Back on the scene..." O.k. Rap songs... once again, I digress.

The farm animal and the New Yorker. Both smell funny. That's the connection. There. A good sense of smell.

Sunny and Cold! I LOVE it.

2005-12-07T12:16:00.000-05:00

It is sunny and cold outside, and I love it.
My friend Irene from Coney Island, duz'int.

That is alliteration - when two vowel sounds sound alike...

We are talking about Dadaism... she is reading to me from a book about modern art:

"Object which had once been 'readymades',
Now had a paradoxically 'crafted quality,'
The urinal is a case in point...."

from "After Modern Art 1945-2000," by David Hopkins

The Fall is Over...Almost

2005-12-04T22:35:00.000-05:00

Fall is almost over, December 21st is on its merry way. Soon, the shortest day of the year will come and go. That's right, folks. In only a few weeks, the days will be getting longer as we plow our way through the winter and march on towards Spring. Today is December 4th, time is rocketing by - the fall is coming to a close.

On my way through Brooklyn the other day, I passed by this sign and thought to myself, "What a wonderful class for a dog! Why didn't I have a class called, "Separation Anxiety?" Oh that's right! I'm not a dog. I'm a human being. It all makes sense now. Although, "clicks and tricks," sound interesting as far as communication goes, I do perfer the slightly more sophisticated level of communcation that human beings share. Ahh, feelings.

Well either way, it's Christmas time so my Christmas list is in the making. I don't want a puppy or a dog for Christmas, not this year anyway. Maybe next. I do enjoy the snow, and being able to play in it. Let it snow, let it snow. I think I'll just ask for peace this year. I'll start from within.

My Best Deer in the Headlights Look

2005-12-01T10:38:00.000-05:00

Oh, Dear!

I'm good, aren't I. I know. I'm modest too.

On the Rise

2005-11-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I was writing in a tea lounge, when it occured to me that people generally seem more friendly and patient around me these days.

Then I thought to myself, "Enlightenment is on the rise."

I continued thinking, "What if we really did have another period of Enlightenment. And many people were walking around, talking about positive, intelligent things, and coming up with new ideas? Then I wouldn't be better than everyone else. Then I would be jealous. It wouldn't be good at all."

Puts a smile on my face every time.

Why is that so funny to me? Because it's an absurd thought, that I wouldn't want other people to be happy, so that I could be happy just feeling superior to other people.

Of course I want everyone to feel equal. As long as I feel slightly better than everyone else.

That's the joke. That's so funny that its stoopid. Phat. All that.

Two muffins are in an oven. One muffin turns to the other muffin and says, "Is it hot in here, or is that just me?" Not an original joke... told to me by my favorite 13 year old client.

Saturday Night in Upstate NY

2005-11-14T23:17:00.000-05:00

The moon rising over my friends' neighbors' farm. What?

Sun Set on Horse Farm

2005-11-14T23:15:00.000-05:00

Peeking through the trees, the sun says, "goodnight."

Dog and Farm Show

2005-11-14T23:14:00.000-05:00

Who needs a dog and pony show? Oh, I do. Looking at the farm, and thinking about how much work my friends are going to be putting into it, it was the first time in a long time that building my comedy routine seemed very, very managable.

Sustainable Farming and Comedy

2005-11-14T23:13:00.000-05:00

My friends just bought a farm! Wow. They are going to raise horses on this farm. I used to believe that horses were the key to the next period of enlightenment in the world. After all, horses and humans were partners, for centuries. Now the machine has replaced the horse in many ways. What's a horse to do?

Alienation of modern horse and human, due to technology was a tremendous preoccupation of mine. Go figure. Transference of feeling is quite the miracle of life. Learning how to transfer all of those emotions into comedy, rather than day dreaming about horses saving the world, is my new goal. To heck with the horses....for now.

Construction Paper

2005-11-11T13:09:00.000-05:00

A period of enlightenment must follow the dark ages, right? I think our new era, once we get through the current period of time, should be called the era of Construction Paper.

Oh, sure the Enlightenment had its own advantages. Eras like that of Dadaism and surrealism were important too. And I'm not talking about soap and detergent. Is there actually a soap called Era? Yes! Era is a product you can buy! We're on a roll. Let's get this party started, right? Quickly.

The bottom line is that we need a useful era to make it's way through the backdoor. When I was growing up, the backdoor was always open. Luckily, we lived in a safe neighborhood. But I digress.

So, I thought about just naming the era Construction. But construction workers can be a bit aggressive towards unsuspecting ladies in short skirts. Construction leads to traffic jams. Basically, although construction is good, it can lead to dysfunction, if not carefully planned out. We, the adult children of the 70's and 80's are all too aware of the terms of dysfunction.

As a result, I say the next era can be named, the era of Construction Paper . I will have to elaborate on your next question, "Why paper," at another time. I will do so, not now. Right now, I am sleepy. I will sum up by writing, remember the words of Miracle Max "You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles."

Jonny Goldstein, Man of the Hour

2005-11-10T14:14:00.000-05:00

The Erzsi and Jonny Show...live!

My comedy partner Jonny Goldstein showed up at the show were I perform on Tuesday nights. Jonny took the time before, during, and after his set to elaborate on his realization that pre-formance is the key to performing. To pre form is to form the performance. He feels the need to use a southern accent when he talks about this.

2005-11-04T04:10:00.000-05:00

Running the half marathon in Hungary...waving wildly. My Dad is taking a picture on the left, this was May 2004.

In Honor of the NYC Marathon!

2005-11-04T03:52:00.000-05:00

During the day, I'm a fitness professional. By night I prowl the streets of New York City, looking for a stage to do time on - I must do my time. One thing I've noted lately is that I've gotten into a bit of a habit of literally running up onto stage as a stand-up comic. This is silly, like putty for several reasons.

Reason number one: unless I plan to run with all my might I look like I am trotting much like a pony up onto the stage. Should I decide to slow it down a bit and jog carefully with care-free abandon this too looks like bobble-head horsy trot, only in slow motion.

Second, running onto the stage is one of those typical inefficient performance techniques that aren’t technique at all. Who on earth am I running from? Where am I running too? If only on a subconscious level, there must be some question in the mind of at least a few audience members. I'm sure that I've scared a few people in the process. “Watch out! There’s a fast moving redheaded comic running down the aisle, onto the stage! Where’s the fire? What is the rush? Isn’t she the one who got arrested, for putting her feet up in the subway? Maybe there’s a bomb in her shoe. She’s going too fast, get out of her way!”

Last but not least, maybe 5% are thinking, "Boy can she run! What a strong, comic she is. Jennifer Garner ain’t got nothing on this funny running lady!” Ok, so that is the voice of my fantasy life becoming reality. Anyway, this isn't the art of exercise; it's the art of standup comedy. Unless I plan to make a joke about running, why would I run? I know, I know – it’s because I feel like it at the time. And here I am making a joke or two out of it (albeit a very wordy joke). I guess all roads do lead to comedy, if you’re lucky.

Flying through the Air Rocks

2005-10-29T01:39:00.000-04:00

Friday night, sundown - and action! There is nothing wrong with Trapeze school. I can't believe I was scared of it two years ago. The only part that was unbelievable was the moment right before we jumped off the platform. Other than that, it was all timing and breathtaking flying. Easy isn't exactly the right word for it, but awesome is.

2005-10-29T01:37:00.000-04:00

Trapeze School rocks... flying through the air with my friends, I was inspired to bump up the volume on my life. Dance, dance.

The Era of Construction Paper

2005-10-26T00:30:00.001-04:00

The best part about being a personal trainer, is that one day I will make a great animal trainer. One of my clients told me, "I feel like a trained seal when I work with you, just don't throw a dead fish at me. I hate dead fish." So I made her balance a big bright ball on her nose instead. We called it even.

This Buffalo here at Bowery Poetry Club is apt to being rather raucous in his own quiet way. Yes it is true, he looks like a peaceful, purple, wide-eye beast - complete with cute Buffalo fro. Much like all Americans he has his own unique ways of acting out, and creating caos and confusion. Yes, I am spanking him. No, I do not advocate corporal punishment in general; only on very specific occasions is it "ok," to inflict physical pain on others. Finally, I do enjoy mocking both buffalo and human facial expressions. That's a spiritual thing though, that gets me through my day.

Fine, fine - some might say that forcing other living creatures to exercise is a form of corporal punishment. Exercise is painful at times, it is physical and bodily too. In fact exercise is a perfectly good kind of corporal punishment. That's what exercise boils down to: learning the difference between good pain like muscle burn vs. bad pain like ligaments ripping and tearing. One form is constructive, the other is destructive. Both are physical in nature.

On a different note, maybe instead of another old era of Enlightenment, or another boring old renaissance we can have an era named, "construction paper." Whatever it is that is going to happen to our globe, and our earth, we'd better enjoy it. Constructoin paper isn't bad, it's got many uses. Globalization, and the digital Red Hat revolution aren't just buzz words fromt the 1990's. Something big is happening, and it is related to technology. Yet paper, and books, and things not digital bring such joy too. I like construction paper. And glue.

I have officially gone off on a tangent, I will admit it. So, I am going to go one step further...Let's hear it for creation? Helloooo, can we say we're not dead yet? The Serpent and the Rainbow was a spooky movie, and that line will live on in my mind forever. "I'm not dead yet!" Monty Python and the Holy Grail? Another great, "I'm not dead!" line in there. Listen, America! We've got to turn this thing around. We're not dead yet, so let's reclaim our national pride. The first step is to fix those voting machines. I haven't seen contraptions that old since the last time I went to a museum. With all the technology available to us, we've got to fix up the voting system. Banks are held accountable for numbers every minute of every day, why can't we account for exactly who is voting, and when?

That's all for now. I am done with my mini-blog-rant. From Buffalo to voting, I've never ranted with such abandon on my blog before.

What Do Comics Do?

2005-10-26T00:29:00.000-04:00

What do comics do....when we are not on stage? We eat donuts and talk about comedy, and writing jokes. Here, at Dunkin' Donuts in Herald Square, Bob Bell and I gaze into space as we think about, what is FUNNY. Fun. Let's keep the fun in funny, folks.

For instance, factory farming, is that funny? Gigantic, genetically modified pigs, that some people end up eating... is that funny? A giagantic, dangerous pig.... hmmm. A pig as big as a barn. It may take a bit of imagination, but these pigs do exist. Are they funny though...

Well, let's think about another weird element of farming: veal. Those baby cows are not getting a lot of exercise. And as a personal trainer that breaks my heart. Every living thing should get to be moving around and living life. Freedom is a big part of living life. So maybe no, maybe factory farming is just wildly bizarre and tragic. Yet pushing boundaries and breaking barriers, raising the level of public discourse, are not bad elements of good comedy.

Fall Head over Heels for the Moon Up Above

2005-10-21T17:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, this is a line of music by Stephen Clair.

Here is more of his song, I am not pretending that this is mine....I'm just sharing it with more people than just little old me.

There's a rumor the moon is coming real close
to the edge of the earth it might touch your nose
if you stay up late and jump pretty high
you could land on the moon hitch a ride in the sky

It might be full, it might be new
But you can count on it, ain't it always the moon

If it weren't for the sun the moon would be dark, it's got no juice it won't even spark. There's no lightbulb up there, there's barely no air. It's just a reflector spinning nowhere.

If you're wise you will stay clear of that moon. It's caused trainwrecks and heartbreaks and set horses loose. As you pass by the window just cover your eyes cos the moon wants your soul to go bump in the night.

And it might be full, and it might be new. But you count on it, ain't it always the moon.

The moon's been knocked around it's got quite a few bumps but it stays on course despite all the lumps. Hanging out in space I don't recommend. You just spin around I mean where does it end. One small step, I mean one giant leap. That's how you dance on the moon now go back to sleep.

While the cow jumps over the big pizza pie get out your fork, and sharpen your knife.

And it might be full, it might be new. But you can count on it, ain't it always the moon. Ain't it always the moon.

Good song: changed my whole clowdy day around for the better. How do you spell clowd? Weird word.

Personal Training is...

2005-10-17T20:50:00.000-04:00

Personal Training is many things. But most of all, it is a treasure trove of un-tapped gym humor. Let's face it, the gym is a bizarre environment. All of that heavy machinery designed to torture people. It is the closest thing we have in modern culture, to a dungeon. Even more odd, people love being tortured. I have proof. Day in and day out, torture, torture, torture. But yet we laugh about the pain. It's the good pain. Fact is, you have to teach people the difference between the good pain, like muscle burn, v. the bad pain like ligaments ripping and tearing.

And the treadmill? So many people out there, running around and around like gerbils.

Don't get me wrong, I am guilty of the same behavior. I too have been of runner of much tread. I used to think that runners were all trying to escape something, but actually they are trying to get a a destination! Or maybe they just ENJOY running, i.e. the process.

DUH. Bottom line, I ran the NYC Marathon in 1999, and let me tell you - there were moments when I wondered what I was doing. My whole goal was just to run the thing with dignity. The best moment of all was when I had called my mother from my cell phone from every bourough of NYC. This was before cell phones were small and cute. I had this monga, huge mega cell phone. It was before cell phones were common. I got so many dirty looks for talking on the phone while running the Marathon. But not many mothers have had that honor. Go team Pongo!

FALL FALL FALL....Can you say Autumn?

2005-10-10T10:12:00.000-04:00

After the incredible rain drop-a-rama from Saturday, the humidity has died out and it finally feels as though Autumn is here. Ahhh, Monday October 10th, 2005: the first day of a new week and we are met with a chill in the air. Fall is my favorite season. It used to be Spring because of the green creativity of it all, new life and little buds popping out all around town. What better than a season that shouts, "Things are going to grow and explode and be warm and hot with Summer, and soon!"

Fact is, the wheels on the bus go round and round, and so do the seasons. So although it may seem as though Sring is the great beginning of outdoor life and Fall is the beginning of the ending, in fact there are so many different cycles and phases beginning and ending that each season brings on the beginning and ending of different things. Outdoor life, sure it's nice and all - but hey, Fall brings the beginning of indoor life. Let's face it you can choose to be inside or outside, the seasons change and so does life. Fall is the beginning of other things, it is not just the end of warm weather.

What I love about this modern era we live in, is that we can make choices based on what we need at the time. Back in the days of the Boulevard, I mean back before the internet and modern heating and plumbing, even before kicking routines and rap, I mean WAY BACK WHEN there were horses and buggies and no cars, the Fall really was the end of a lot of things. But now we have heating and indoor plumbing and a million amazing choices. I know the World is confusing sometimes, and I am very sad about the loss of life that is going on these days at such a rapid rate in certain areas of the globe. But making myself sad isn't going to solve those greater issues, and helping others is. So there is still hope, and there is still life, and there is so much to do! I love life.

2005-08-29T18:50:00.000-04:00

Upstate, New York: the woods of Ithaca shared shadows and light through the leaves of the trees with one, Erzsi Pongo.

2005-08-23T23:35:00.000-04:00

A View From the Ferry Boat.

Riding the Ferry Boat in APRIL!! Let' hear it for Spring and Fall...

2005-08-23T23:10:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh, remember sweat shirts and jackets? Back in April, riding the ferry boat to visit my mother I was so snuggly. Now... we've got bathing suits and sunscreen to sheild us from the elements...happy cooler weather...folks! September is only one week away! Let's hear it for Fall!

2005-08-23T23:07:00.000-04:00

More acting head shots...

The Journey of the Face...

2005-08-23T23:05:00.000-04:00

Does this count as, "Not Making a Face?" You know I am very close to going back to making very silly faces. Yes, this is my acting head shot...

2005-08-23T01:45:00.000-04:00

And here we have a sideways, corner of the eye look. Does this count as a non-face? Why would, "not making a face," be as important as making a face...you ask? Because being able to be myself without trying to, "do," anything, is important, and refreshing. Just being alive in a simple way, is more important to me than it was in the beginning of the summer. Transformation isn't easy, but becoming self-actualized isn't bad. The external reality of one's interior reality is one of the most lovable aspects of the miracle of life; in my mind anyway.

2005-08-23T01:23:00.000-04:00

A close up of my sand castle.

No Face? Or Face. Yin and Yang.

2005-08-23T01:20:00.000-04:00

As part of my summer training program, I am training myself to relax in front of the camera and not to always, "make a face." So here we have it! No make-up, 97 degrees, on the streets of Brooklyn, New York: I make no face for you. I am simply here on this digital screen, taking a photo with a mobile phone camera.

2005-08-17T16:05:00.000-04:00

Saying hello to my mom in the airport in NYC - WELCOME HOME! YAY!

2005-08-17T16:04:00.000-04:00

Saying good-bye at the airport in Hungary to my dad's friends.

2005-08-14T19:31:00.000-04:00

Erzsi Pongo, LIVE...before the Hungarian Film Festival got Rockin' and Rollin'.

2005-08-14T19:28:00.000-04:00

The Pool, outside the Bathhouse.

2005-08-14T19:24:00.000-04:00

This is a "Bath House," where I went swimming in Hungary. There are pools with hot springs both inside and outside of the yellow building.

2005-08-14T19:21:00.000-04:00

My First Best Friend in the World, Margit Nanny.... Margit came to America and took care of me as a Baby.

WHEW! Or should I say, "WOW!"

2005-07-25T13:44:00.000-04:00

"WOW....WWoWW, what is that word that you say. Wow. That is a new expression, I have not heard that. What does it mean?" O.k. fine, so this person was also in her late 70's.

This is the extent of pop cultural knowledge that the crowd I've been rolling with these days knows. As they say in Hungary, "NULA." The big goose egg: ZERO. O.K. fine, so I am in Hungary too. But still, WOW.....come on.... I am in shock. Someone asked me what wow means.

I don't know if ya'all know this about me, but one of my biggest missions in life is the quest for equal rights for the elderly. From my perspective, old people have it pretty bad. Old folks homes, disease, death, dying, decay. What is that? What kind of way is that to end a life.

So I believe in civil rights for the elderly. And I am a big advocate. I lived in a nursing home in New Jersey, called "Assisted living," for two months when I was 26. I went to the dining hall with a bunch of 75 to 95 year old people, I shot pool in their recreation hall with my then boyfriend and other friends as well. My then-boyfriend actually lived with me for two weeks while we researched the live-in nurse before we rescued my grandma from the hospital. It was very important to me that she did not die in an institution, but rather at home.

Anyway, that's a screenplay for another time, and not a boring old blog. There are more details, that I am not about to write about here and now, in an internet cafe in Budapest. I am coming home on Wednesday, to NYC - flying - and boy are my arms going to be tired.

Accross the Big Blue

2005-07-05T06:38:00.000-04:00

Well, being in Budapest is absolutely beautiful. The family here is, let us just say: old. In a nutshell my Hungarian father László, is 80 years old. Yup. He is officially 20 years older than my mother, who is from New Jersey. So, for the time I am visiting, and living with a 80 year old man and his 75 year old sister.

Some of my favorite material in my comedy routine is about growing up with a Hungarian father. László Pongó is the only living Hungarian National Champion and American National Champion in world class fencing. So, his tongue is a quick and sharp as his sword. That is how my sense of humor evolved into the bizzaro mix of passionate jokes about the battle of love and war between the sexes, and sports.

Old people are amazing because they have been through so much that we can only read about these days. My father was smuggled out of the country when Hungary was invaded and he was black listed. But before he left he smuggled cigarettes and comfort items to his friends in the Jewish ghetto. When I asked him about it, he yelled, "VAT!" He can't say W very well. "It is nothing you wouldn't do for your own friends. Qvit making such a big deal abot dese tings!"

He can also be a very humble man, in this strange passionate way. He is an incredible person.

2005-06-23T12:02:00.000-04:00

The Erzsi and Jonny Show...Eat Up!

2005-06-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Jonny is always Video Blogging!

2005-06-23T11:57:00.000-04:00

Erzsi Talking with the Bride's Maids

2005-06-23T11:56:00.000-04:00

Erzsi and the Bride's Maids

2005-06-23T11:55:00.000-04:00

Erzsi and The Bride's Family

2005-06-23T11:54:00.000-04:00

Jonathan, the Bride and Grandma at the Wedding

Cool Rabbi

2005-06-21T02:39:00.000-04:00

This Sunday I was the, “Wedding Official,” at my comedy partner, Jonny Goldstein’s wedding. I got to say things like:

The Opening Blessing
May the source of life sustain in you life.
May all that is noble and true in the universe inspire your lives together and bring peace to all humankind.

And…
Explanation of the Huppah
Surrounded by loved ones whose joy and prayers are with you, you stand at this huppah, a symbol of your new home. Its four sides are open, symbolizing the importance of community and of participation in each other’s lives. Friends and family fill the home. May your home be a shelter against the storms, a haven of peace, a stronghold of faith and love.

But Best of All….
Baruch atah adonai elo-hay-nu melech haw-olam boray pree haw-gaw-fen

I’ve never been in charge of officiating a wedding ceremony before, and I have to say I highly recommend it. It was a big honor. There was much speculation as to my background as the young, cool, hip Rabbi. Who was this tall red headed rabbi? I’m no rabbi. Jonny and his wife were married in city hall the Friday before. I was just in charge of the beautiful ceremonial part. I shouted out the blessings and directions under a bright red patch-work quilted huppah in Central Park. We agreed we wanted everyone to hear, and there are no mikes and amps allowed for ceremonies in the park.

Jonny made a point of mentioning at the Erzsi and Jonny Show the week before that his wedding ceremony would be my first paid gig. Of course at that point in the show, someone then walked up to me and handed me two bucks. So, now I’ve been paid for two gigs.

All of the 85 year and plus grandparents made a point of asking me if I am a Rabbi, and congratulating me on my first Jewish wedding. They liked my dress too. I am raised Lutheran, but hey – I also grew up in Great Neck. So I explained my seeming Jew-y-ness in that regard.

Funny to think, I was an avid churchgoer, growing up. I was the head Acolyte (the troupe of teen aged kiddies who light the candles on that big stage-like alter, and lead the processional in…) and I was in charge of the nursery school for a while. Crazy times. I often found myself carrying the gigantic cross up in front of the processional. On one occasion I didn’t secure it and it fell down that in the middle of the ceremony. That was a great day. I laughed a lot in church. We had a young, hip pastor.

I’m a spiritual person (aren’t we all?) but the patriarchal nature of the story of God is a bit hard to take for me nowadays. More so, I find the emotional dynamic in Church tough to swallow. It is supposed to be so joyous, but no one is laughing. I’m rather pleased sticking to live comedy as far as my spiritual evolution goes these days. Let’s hear it for a good crack on the wit whip for emotional truth. Good times.

2005-06-17T02:27:00.000-04:00

Jonny Goldstein and Erzsi Pongo

2005-06-17T02:22:00.001-04:00

My Roof Top

2005-06-17T02:22:00.000-04:00

On the Subway

2005-06-17T02:20:00.000-04:00

At the Bowery Poetry Club

2005-06-17T02:01:00.000-04:00

We've Floored 'em!

2005-06-17T01:59:00.000-04:00

Second Test Post

So B-log Means Special Sauce?

2005-06-01T22:00:00.000-04:00

You may be wondering what on this great, big, wonderful Planet Earth, I could possibly mean by that. I will tell you. In my mind, "B-Log," sounds like, "G-Love." I just recently figured out that the purpose of a blog is an on-line web journal - as in LOG. Not piece of wood. Not big blob. BLOG.

So, now you're going to get it! Now, I'm going to actually update this on a fairly regular basis. That's the special sauce we're talking about here!But I digress.

Today is the day after, "The Erzsi and Jonny Show." My comedy partner Jonny Goldstein and I, run a show at 10:30 PM every Tuesday at the Village Lantern. It's a magical show. We manage to create an atmosphere that is as mystical as it is awkward. I, personally think awkward is rather funny.

In fact, I've often found myself in the middle of several waspie moments amid those from the land they call Connecticut - thinking about how incredibly funny awkward silence is. Breaking that tension is the best skill on earth, in my mind. Breaking tension in general is just, well, totally awesome. It's like a big clap of thunder or bolt of lightening.

So, finally, finally, finally multiple comics (the operative word here) are figuring out that you have to address this. I was of course, originally amused that people were getting a little testy and pissy-faced about the atmosphere. Although, better still - last night Bob Bell - announced, "I love this room. I've been performing here since it began in Nikita, around the corner on MacDougal. And what I love about this room is that it is a comedy obstacle course. You have to maneuver and use skills to get navigate around every single barrier that we manage to put up for ourselves."

Remember obstacle courses in gym?? Back in the days called school? Those were THE BEST days of gym. Forget volleyball! Oh sure - dodge ball has its merits. But the obstacle course? WOW! Teeter totters made of benches and ladders that you had to climb up and over; gymnastic equipment like parallel bars and uneven bars; and the best of all, something to jump into, usually and wade through like foam pieces or lots of balls. Obstacle courses were the best.

It's that sense of excitement that comes along with throwing oneself into some maze in order to figure out how to navigate around the twists that makes life amazing. That thing they call awkward, to me is really this level of excitement and anticipation that I cherish. I am so thrilled by my comedy partner Jonny too, who is as amused as I am (I think...) by our room. Thank you to everyone who comes out and performs. Week after week - the show grows. As do we. After all, isn't that what being a good comic is all about? Breaking the tension and creating laughter - where before there was nothing. That's creation. I like that. It’s the best.

Root Canal....

2005-05-27T02:15:00.000-04:00

Root canal is just as good as jail! If not, better. Truth be told, root canal is actually better than an eMTA Holding Cell.

Face it, although being handcuffed over night is different, so is root canal. You don't just go around getting your roots canalled every day of the week. If you're lucky - once a year. Or, for the first time at the age of 31.

Today was my first root canal. I feel like Hedwig a bit. "To walk away, you've got to leave something behind." In order to gain something, you have to first let something go. So. There goes the root to my tooth! Root canal is great because it gives me the perfect opportunity to watch movies like Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Had never seen it before. Always knew I wanted to.

I think the seven shots of novacain in my jaw are finally dwindling down in strength. All I know is I plan to finish my eight screenplays as soon as possible, and it seems that finding my creative voice is really the only thing that matters to me anymore. Having a root canal and speanding time in the clink give me lots o' time to think. It's so easy to keep busy and do many things, but when it comes to true growth and spiritual strength, and power - there is nothing like a challenge to spur one to move forward.

Below, My Story of Being Handcuffed For the Night

2005-05-21T12:09:00.000-04:00

So below, you'll see other people's information interlaced with my own story. It is becoming very clear to me that although I graduated with a psychology major and a double minor in film and education from Middlebury College - I know VERY little about my very own civil rights.

I realize that I spend a lot of time thinking about other people's civil rights, and how to improve the world for them. Back in Gotham City, I have never had to fully understand my own civil rights. Live and learn!

I am going to follow through on this, but I wonder how. If you or anyone you know would like to help me, read on... you'll find a very interesting story with many sides and perspectives.

Various Perspectives on My New Understanding of My Civil Rights

2005-05-21T12:07:00.000-04:00

Call the ALCU for what? You broke the law by having your feet up on the seats. This happened to me to, not arrested because I had ID, but ticketed. Follow the logic. You pay for one fair; you’re entitled to one seat. By having you feet up on another seat you’re taking up two spots. Yes it was 4am when it happened to me and no one was on the train, so there was room for others. Elizabeth, I hate to tell you, you admit taking up more than one seat, so you don’t have a leg to stand on, No pun intended. There is a way to get around this mess in the future, swipe your card twice and pay for two fairs. I do this now when I travel early in the morning, and when a cop tries to give me a ticket I tell them I paid for two fairs. Of course they don’t believe you can try to confirm this to prove you wrong and write it in the ticket to add evidence to your mister meaner, but I love the look on their faces when you prove your claim. So Elizabeth, you would have gotten a ticket, which you could have fought, and gotten off if it was your first offence, but you added to the problems by not having ID, and if you commit a crime, even one this small, you spend the night in jail till they can confirm who you are. Welcome to the big city sister.
Posted by: criminal minded May 20, 2005 02:27 PM
"criminal minded"- It's not necessary to take a person into custody for what is otherwise a summonsable offense. Not only is this a violation of her rights, it's waste of your and my tax dollars.
Posted by: thfs May 20, 2005 02:52 PM
I would also recommend you try contacting the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) - you can see more at http://www.nyc.gov/html/ccrb/home.html
Posted by: Jason May 20, 2005 05:29 PM
"criminal minded"-said:"You pay for one fair; you’re entitled to one seat"Criminally insane is more like it -First of all the word you probably wanted is "fare" not "fair", but following the logic of "You pay for one fare; you’re entitled to one seat" raises the following questionsCan I get my money back when I don't get a seat during rush hour?If the train is crowded and there are parts of two "seats under my "seat" am I a criminal?What about the times that there isn't any room for my knees and I have to sit at an angle?Is it legal for fat people to ride the subway?Where does my "seat" stop and my leg begin in the opinion of the NYPD, and are the standards implemented in a way that does not discriminate against short or tall people?
Interestingly enough, The MTA wants to clarify that in it's rules of conduct, because even they seem to think that the rules are confusingOld ( current) rules are here http://www.mta.info/nyct/rules/rules.htmNew proposed rules are here http://www.mta.info/nyct/rules/nyct.htmSection 1050.7 (j) (1) is nowOccupy more than one seat on a station, platform or conveyance; lie on the floor, platform, stairway, landing or conveyance; or block free movement on a station, stairway, platform or conveyance; or (k) commit any act which causes or may tend to cause harm to oneself or to any other person including, but not limited to:(1) riding a bicycle or straddling a bicycle while it is in motion, or riding a scooter, [skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates] or any other self-propelled vehicle or any motor-propelled vehicle;(2) wearing roller skates or in-line skates; or(3) riding or otherwise standing on a skateboard.
The proposed new version reads
(1) occupy more than one seat on a station, platform or conveyance when to do so would interfere or tend to interfere with the operation of the authority's transit system or the comfort of other passengers; (2) place his or her foot on a seat on a station, platform or conveyance; (3) lie on the floor, platform, stairway, landing or conveyance; or (4) block free movement on a station, stairway, platform or conveyance; or (k) commit any act which causes or may tend to cause harm to oneself or to any other person including, but not limited to: (1) riding a bicycle or straddling a bicycle while it is in motion, or riding a scooter, [skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates] or any other self-propelled vehicle or any motor-propelled vehicle;(2) wearing roller skates or in-line skates; or (3) riding or otherwise standing on a skateboard.
Note the addition of "when to do so would interfere or tend to interfere with the operation of the authority's transit system or the comfort of other passengers;" to the prohibition on occupying more than one seat on a station, platform or conveyance.
So it would seem that even the MTA thinks the rule is stupid
As for the "Finally, all she could do was fall asleep in the fetal position in the holding area with her arm chained to a gate. " I read in the newspaper today that "Chaining prisoners to any fixed object was also banned" by the US Army in Afghanistan. If you Google "chaining prisoners" it seems to mostly turn up stories about human rights violations and torture
For instance The US State Department in it's report on Libya http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41727.htm in the section "Torture and Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment" states "The reported methods of torture included: chaining prisoners to a wall for hours; clubbing; applying electric shock; applying corkscrews to the back; pouring lemon juice in open wounds; breaking fingers and allowing the joints to heal without medical care; suffocating with plastic bags; deprivation of food and water; hanging by the wrists; suspension from a pole inserted between the knees and elbows; cigarettes burns; threats of being attacked by dogs; and beating on the soles of the feet."
So there you have it, the US state department puts "chaining prisoners" as the very first item on a pretty appalling list of Torture and Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Posted by: hhc May 20, 2005 08:06 PM
"She got to see what it felt like to be a person of color"
Give me a break. I take the F-Train every day and night (Park Slope to Broadway/Lafayette, coincidently enough), and I don't see 'people of color' being dragged off by the police, nor should I.
"a homeless person"
Considering most of the city's homeless are mentally ill or drunks, they *should* be dragged off (especially on the F). It's in their best interest to be placed in a setting where they'll get a hot meal and a bed, and away from the train where they take up half the car with their feces-induced stench.
"an illegal alien"
Is just that...illegal, meaning they broke the law. Entirely different than a law-abiding citizen being unfairly and outrageously incarcerated, which is what happened here. I would advise your friend to contact a lawyer. What happened to her should never happen to anyone, and if it takes a lawsuit to make that happen, then so be it. But regardless, don't let this one stand. Someone needs to be held accountable, and the transit cop in question needs some time off and a re-orientation on the US Constitution.
Posted by: Brian May 21, 2005 12:34 AM

Being Handcuffed Over Night Is...

2005-05-20T11:25:00.000-04:00

Being handcuffed all night is, well… not the most comfortable way to sleep. Although, I must say I wasn't sleeping when I was asked to get off the F-train this last Wednesday morning. I am honored that Curbed.com took the time to write up my story, but I would like to clarify so that everything is very real. It was very real to me.

Somewhere between 3 and 4 a.m. I was riding the train home after hosting the Erzsi and Jonny Show. I was wide awake, and carefully watching the homeless men on the train with me. I wanted to make sure I was safe, and that everyone else was peacefully asleep. They were.

I had my legs, gently draped on the corner of the seat caddy-corner to me. My sneakers were not on the seat. I like to indicate to people that I will put my feet down on a moment's notice, should someone else need some space to rest.

An officer boarded the train and flashed me her badge. She said, "Put your feet down and get off the train." I said, "Why?"
"Get off the train."
"But I'm not doing anything wrong. Please let me stay on the subway car. I need to get home to go to work."
"Get off the train now."

So I got off the train, and there on the subway platform, after the train had left the station she asked me for identification. I only had an ATM card and three business cards: one for personal training, which said Elizabeth Pongo; and two for stand-up comedy, which say Erzsi Pongo. The problem was that for personal training I use Elizabeth, and for stand-up comedy I use my Hungarian childhood nickname: Erzsi. So the names on the business cards that have photos, do not say Elizabeth. They do all say Pongo.

To make a long story short (too late!) I was handcuffed, told that my purse could have been stolen. I was put in a van along with several handcuffed men, and taken to Union Square. We were taken underground into the subway system, to a holding cell for the Police Department of the city of New York. I was finger printed, my photo was taken, and then handcuffed to an iron fence for the rest of the night. They had to make sure everything was o.k. and wait for my fingerprints to get back from Albany.

Now, everything o.k.? Well, I was awake, sober, I was forming complete sentences, making very good eye-contact, and doing everything in my power to prove to them that I was not going anywhere, that I didn't have to be cuffed all night, and that I was compliant. Sure, there were tears streaming down my face, once in a while. And yes, I did ask for a tissue several times to blow my nose. It’s hard to blow your own nose when you you’re chained to an iron fence. Nonetheless, the handcuffs remained on: all night. More of the story will follow.

I WAS ARRESTED ON THE F-TRAIN

2005-05-20T02:19:00.000-04:00

So, yes - if you read ahead - you will find the story of my arrest by the NYC Transit Police, as written by my client. I am now going to write about it in my own words.

Basically, I was riding home after hosting The Erzsi and Jonny Show late at night. A cop got on, and and asked me to get off the subway and then put me in handcuffs. We drove in a van, with the cuffs on, to Union Square. We went underground and I was put in a jail cell. I was chained in the cuffs to a gate overnight. I was released at 9:30 (roughly) the next morning.

Those are some plot points. More to follow!

ARREST ON THE F-TRAIN: From OTBKB

2005-05-20T00:05:00.000-04:00

Here is somthing my client, Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn , wrote about my arrest on the F-Train. I am honored she took the time to do it. There are also some comments that people added to the mix.

Yesterday when I met Elizabeth Pongo, my personal trainer and friend, at the Park Slope Fitness Collective she greeted me in her usual enthusiastic way but I could tell that something was up.

When she got me on the stationery bicycle for a cardio blast she said: "I spent last night in jail."

"What?" I yelped, obviously a little shocked and deeply interested to hear her story as I continued biking in place, rap music blaring on the loud speaker.

She went on to tell me her sad tale. Ms. Pongo was arrested, yes, arrested on the F-train between Broadway/Lafayette and Second Avenue for having her LEGS on the subway seat. It was 3 a.m and she was on the way home to Park Slope from one of her gigs as a stand-up comedian. Her shoes weren't even touching the seat and she was NOT asleep.

A transit police officer came up to her, flashed her badge and said: "Put your feet down and get off the train!" It was not a warning, it was a command. On the subway platform, she asked for Ms. Pongo's driver's license and because she didn't have it or any other photo identification on her, she was handcuffed and ROUNDED up with a group of four homeless men, who had been sleeping on the train.

The police took the group to 14th Street where they were locked up for the evening. Allowed to make only one local call, she called one of her clients at 5 a.m. She was unable to call her mother in New Jersey.

She cried and begged the police officer to let her go home: "I have work tomorrow and I need to SLEEP." She told them that she is an excessively law abiding citizen who pays her taxes early. She showed one of the officers her ATM card and three business cards but to no avail. "You coulda stolen that," one of the cops said. Finally, all she could do was fall asleep in the fetal position in the holding area with her arm chained to a gate. The men were in a different room than she.

The police let her go first thing in the morning after they sent her fingerprints to Albany and got word that she was without a criminal record.

At 1:30 on Wednesday, she was at the Fitness Collective ready to work out with me. She had a little bit of time before work to shower and nap. She actually looked pretty darn great for someone who'd spent the night in jail.

In addition to needing a really good hug, which I gave her, she needs ideas about who she can complain to about this inappropriate and unfair incarceration. She mentioned the New York Civil Liberties Union, someone else said to call her City Council member. If anyone has ideas, please make a comment here or e-mail me.

Ms. Pongo had an experience, probably a valuable one, that she will never forget; an understanding of what it means to be powerless in the face of the law. She got to see what it felt like to be a person of color, a homeless person, an illegal alien: New Yorkers who get mistreated by the police on a regular basis. She now says she feels motivated by the experience: "I am revitalized and re-charged," Ms. Pongo wrote in a comment to OTBKB. "I am ready to do the right thing and take action. I am also pleased to have a network of people to work on how to solve this problem for myself and others."

May 19, 2005 in Postcard from the Slope | Permalink

Comments
She can always go to the media.

Posted by: Little Light | May 19, 2005 11:35 AM

OTBKB is the media! Glad you wrote about this pervasive problem:
pre-emptive detention.

NYCLU sounds like a great idea.

Posted by: Nancy Graham | May 19, 2005 11:39 AM

I'm curious how pre-emptive detention squares up with "innocent until proven guilty". Is there a law in NY that makes it illegal for citizens not to carry personal documentation?

Posted by: udge | May 19, 2005 01:47 PM

An unfortunate lesson for your friend. It is never wise to leave home without any form of photo I.D. I do not think there is a law about carrying I.D. in NY, however, if you are detained by the police, it may become a hinderance to your release, as your friend now understands.

She should learn from this, not take it as an opportunity to express her indignance at not being accorded special treatment because she was so clearly a privileged, educated, law abiding, member of the Park Slope community.

Posted by: Miguel | May 19, 2005 02:54 PM

But maybe it's her duty as a "privileged, educated, law-abiding member of the Park Slope community" to do just that-- get indignant, look up the laws, take it up with NYCLU or whoever. No, it's no less wrong to round up homeless guys, but they probably (not necessarily, but probably) don't have the resources to fight it. She does. And maybe if she does, it will make things better for other people too.

Posted by: elswhere | May 19, 2005 07:30 PM

Dear Miguel,

I am Elizabeth the trainer. And although your word, "indignant," is a good, strong, 25-cent vocabulary word (congratulations!) you may want to consider that in Louise's story – nowhere - did she describe my emotions. That is your perception; and your interpretation, based on your own personal feelings. It may be a sad story, but it has a happy ending.

You see, I am motivated by this experience. I am revitalized and re-charged. I am ready to do the right thing and take action. I am happy that I am safe, and I am pleased that I have a network of people to work with on how to solve this problem. I am not angry. I am lucky it wasn’t worse. I am grateful I can talk about it with people I trust. I am learning.

But thanks for your own personal interpretation of the story. I will make sure to provide other plot points in the future - that will elucidate the catharsis that this experience has lead to for me. I will take action in order to help others, so that they can avoid my mistakes.

Cheers,
Elizabeth

PS - Sorry! This word isn't correct....
in·dig·nant adj.
Characterized by or filled with indignation. See Synonyms at angry.
[Latin indign ns, indignant- present participle of indign r , to be indignant, from indignus, unworthy. See indign.]

Posted by: Elizabeth Pongo | May 20, 2005 12:00 AM

Peace

2005-05-01T18:13:00.000-04:00

IMGP0021
Originally uploaded by Erzsi Pongo.

Flickr

2005-05-01T18:11:00.000-04:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Digital Revolution

2005-05-01T15:35:00.000-04:00

It seems as though, whenever I upgrade to a new level of digital functionality, there's a waiting period. Today we determined that the waiting period is where it all comes together. I know, this concept of waiting isn't a novel idea. People have been waiting a long time.

But maybe waiting isn't just waiting at all. There is something subtle about waiting, in which our reality and our time on this planet is just as exciting and good as when we're not waiting. Doing can seem more important. But without waiting there'd be no doing. Waiting is doing, anyway. It's doing waiting. It seems that waiting can contain a lot of action in and of itself, where true preparation and learning is accomplished.

Video Blogging Extravaganza

2005-05-01T13:50:00.000-04:00

Sitting in the heart of Long Island City, soon we'll make this happen with video. "It's going to be amaazing."

This is a Test

2005-01-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

Testing 1,2,3...Testing 1,2,3...